The glamour, the stars and the frocks were all missing but it was still a night of triumph for Brits at Hollywood's Golden Globes.

Atonement, an adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel set in the Second World War starring Keira Knightley, led the way winning Best Picture and Best Original Score.

And Ricky Gervais was celebrating after winning Best Comedy for Extras in the "awards that never were" - a writers' strike meaning the usual glitzy ceremony was replaced by a 30- minute news conference in LA.

But Gervais, 46, didn't let the problems overshadow his success. He told BBC Breakfast he was "very, very pleased" with his win, adding: "Just because it's my third, the shine doesn't wear off."

Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull then invited Gervais to give his acceptance speech. Gervais (below) said: "Thank you so much for this, my third Golden Globe.

"It will take pride of place with the other two, and sit next to the two Emmys as well, in front of the seven Baftas."

Later on he joked on Sky News: "I didn't go to the Golden Globes because I wouldn't cross a picket line.

There is nothing scarier than 150 32-year-old white men in glasses shouting at you.

"But the award is on its way and that is what counts, not people's lives and livelihoods, the fact that I won an award.

Other British winners were Daniel Day-Lewis, 50, who was named Best Actor for his portrayal of a murderous oil man in There Will Be Blood as well Julie Christie's Best Actress gong for Away From Her.

Longford, Channel 4's depiction of the relationship between Moors Murderer Myra Hindley and prisons campaigner Lord Longford, won three awards including Best Actor in a mini-series for Jim Broadbent, 58, and Best Supporting Actress for Samantha Morton, 30.

Less lucky were Anna Friel, who lost out in the Best TV Comedy Actress category for Pushing Daisies and Hugh Laurie, who failed in his bid to take the Best Actor in a TV drama for the second year running with his role in House.

The Globes are seen as a pointer Oscar success next month but the ongoing strike - over payment for shows on the internet - has also thrown even that into doubt.